This is the first trip to the speedway with the new rules package. A taller rear spoiler, larger front splitter, standard radiator pan and aero ducts. This is in addition to the 550 hp engine package, a 200 hp reduction since the previous trip to the recently paved oval.

Additionally, Kentucky Speedway has prepped the track a little different. They’ve used a lot of PJ1, everywhere in each corner, except in the bottom lane.

A long line of cars has formed at the end of the pit lane ahead of this session.

Kentucky Final PracticeReport

Duration: 50 minutes

The green is out and Joey Logano leads them to the track. They spread out quickly. We’ve still yet to see any type of group practice runs.

Drivers have less horsepower and more downforce this weekend at Kentucky. They also have a wide grip strip to play with. However, all drivers are still lifting with heavy brakes in turn three. They’re nearly full throttle in turn one.

5 minutes in, Erik Jones makes a pass on the bottom. However, it skates up the track as he struggles to hold it on the bottom.

William Byron is the first car to explore the grip strip in turn one, he only gave it one attempt. He was looking for a way around Bubba Wallace but he doesn’t give it another shot on the following lap.

“I don’t like my car,” Denny Hamlin radio confirms handling issues in the Joe Gibbs Racing stables. However, Hamlin sits 5th on the times sheets.

30 minutes remain, Chase Elliott is the next driver to find a loose condition in turn three. No cars were ahead of him, he just got loose as he cut it to the bottom lane but he saved the car.